Social and Behavioral Science and Education

Programs in social and behavioral science and education will teach you how to explore the world around you and apply the lessons of history to today’s problems.

There are career opportunities across many fields with this degree. You may find your calling as a sociologist, historian or political science researcher in the industrial or government sectors. Many students of social and behavioral science and education find themselves interested in the larger world and other cultures, an interest which Oakton can cultivate with our global studies and geography programs.

If teaching others is your passion, Oakton’s education programs can instruct you on how to help the next generation of students prepare for their future.

What Do You Want to Be?

Student studying between library stacks.
  • Anthropologist
  • Urban planner
  • Paraprofessional
  • Elementary teacher
  • Special education teacher
Student talking to librarian behind counter.
  • Counselor
  • Researcher
  • Lawyer
  • Journalist
  • Analyst 

How Will You Get There?

Social and behavioral studies are a versatile and diverse fields that cultivate transferable skills to make your community better. Depending on the number of classes you take each semester:

Can be completed within 2+ years

Designed to be finished at Oakton and prepare you directly for the workforce with industry-relevant coursework.

Can be completed within 2+ years

Designed to transfer into a 4-year Bachelor's program; includes all General Education coursework. View Oakton's Transfer Partnerships and Guides here.

Oakton offers pre-majors:

Can be completed within 6 months - 1+ year

Gain a new skill or upskill to enhance your resume; complete it stand-alone or talk with Advising to plan how the certificate can a stepping stone to a further degree. Visit the Applied Associate of Sciences (A.A.S.) degree page for a full list of certificates available.

Early Childhood Education

Discover majors and in-demand careers based on your interests. The Career Coach assessment is a 6- or 60-question quiz that links your interests to programs offered here at Oakton and local career opportunities. Don’t worry about education, training or cost when answering the questions; just consider what you would like to spend time doing.

Take the Career Coach Assessment

Sheena Benson

When Sheena decided it was time to make a change in her life, she knew the first step would be going back to school. Oakton provides a supportive environment where she is pursuing her goal to become a middle school counselor. She will earn an associate degree as a psychology pre-major and plans to transfer to a bachelor's degree program to continue her education.

Explore Sheena's Plan to Become a School Counselor

Sheena Benson

Talk with Admission to map your path

Where to Begin?

Every great professional starts out right where you are. The first step in your college journey (and where it takes you) is to fill out an application. Select this Area of Interest in your application, so we can best support you explore this path.
Apply Now